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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 15, 2012)
10 NOVEMBER 15,2012 Smoke Signals November is Native American Heritage Month By Dean Rhodes Smoke Stgnuli etltlar President Iiarack Obama pro claimed November as National Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 1. His annual proclamation read: "As the first people to live on the land we all cherish, American Indians and Alaska Natives have profoundly shaped our country's character and our cultural heri tage. Today, Native Americans are leaders in every aspect of our society from the classroom, to the board room, to the battlefield. This month, we celebrate and honor the many ways American Indians and Alaska Natives have enriched our nation, and we renew our com mitment to respecting each Tribe's identity while ensuring equal op portunity to pursue the American dream. "In paying tribute to Native American achievements, we must also acknowledge the parts of our shared history that have been marred by violence and tragic mis treatment. For centuries, Native Americans faced cruelty, injustice and broken promises. As we work together to forge a brighter future, we cannot shy away from the dif ficult aspects of our past. That is why, in 2009, 1 signed a bipartisan resolution that finally recognized the sad and painful chapters in our shared history. My administra tion remains dedicated to writing a new chapter in that history by strengthening our government-to-government relationship with Tribal nations while enhancing Tribal sovereignty and Tribal self determination. "Because we know that the best ideas for Tribal nations come from within, my administration has con tinued to engage Tribal leaders in developing an agenda that respects their expertise on matters affecting American Indians and Alaska Na tives. In collaboration with Tribal nations, we are making critical investments to improve health and education services, create jobs and strengthen Tribal economies. In July, I was proud to sign the Help ing Expedite and Advance Tribal FowinidattDOin) seeks Native WWDD vets The Oregon World War II Memorial Foundation is seeking Native veterans of that conflict to appear in a video to increase the visibility of the foundation and help raise funds for establishing the memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol. Native World War II veterans interested in appearing in the video should contact Foundation Board President Lou Jaffe at 503-310-7904 about available filming dates in Salem at Allied Video Produc tions, 2121 Front St. N.E. D Homeownership Act into law, which will enhance Tribal control over the leasing of Indian lands. Last December, I signed an execu tive order to expand educational opportunities for Native American students. It aims to preserve Native languages, cultures and histories while offering a competitive educa tion that prepares young people to succeed in college and careers. And under the Tribal Law and Order Act and the Safe Indian Commu nities initiative, we are continuing to work with Tribes to build safer communities. My administration also supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indig enous Peoples. "Many longstanding Native American legal claims against the United States have been resolved, which help accelerate the restora tion of trust in our relationships with Tribal nations. The settle ments that came out of these claims including the historic Cobell and Keepseagle settlements, as well as more than 50 settlements in cases alleging federal mismanagement of Tribal trust funds and resources will put an end to decades of litigation and help drive economic development in Tribal communities in the years to come. "In partnership with Tribal na tions, my administration has ad dressed injustices and built new avenues for American Indian and Alaska Natives. As we celebrate National Native American Heri tage Month, let us move forward in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual trust, confident that our challenges can be met and that our shared future is bright." Obama also called on all Ameri cans to commemorate the month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate Friday, Nov. 23, as Native American Heri tage Day. D New Oregon tuition waiver House Bill 3471-Tuition Waiver Bill is a law that gives "tuition waivers" to current and former foster youth for Oregon community college and pub lic universities. This program begins with the 2012-13 academic year. Requirements: All current foster and former foster youth who have spent at least 365 days in substitute care after age 16, AND either left foster care (had wardship terminated) or completed high schoolGED within the previous three years qualify for this program. Application process: Students must submit their FAFSA (www. fafsa.gov) as soon as possible! DHS and ICW will send a list of eligible students to the Oregon Student Access Commission for prioritization of an Oregon Opportunity Grant. The school of attendance will be notified of eligible students attending their institution and notify the student of the tuition waiver amount. There is no separate application or steps for students to apply other than submitting their FAFSA. For more information, contact your ILP worker or the Tribal Scholar ship Office at 1-800-422-0232, ext. 1345. O n v : ...... .".' , ; i , , . - -: t . , , n . r x f is v ,,." ?. - j- - I -.r- M$fe&?4 j$f7mL
